Students at Waynesburg University achieve above-average earnings that place them in the top third of institutions nationally, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and healthcare fields.
The university's focus on career-oriented programs and personalized attention helps graduates successfully manage their educational investments and transition into stable, well-paying careers.
Waynesburg University is a small private nonprofit institution in Pennsylvania that delivers solid long-term earnings outcomes for its graduates. While the university serves a more selective student population compared to typical public institutions, it provides meaningful career preparation particularly in nursing and healthcare fields. With 31% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 26% being first-generation college students, Waynesburg offers moderate access while maintaining strong graduation rates of 61% within six years.
The university's graduates earn a median of $58,537 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the 68th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects Waynesburg's focus on career-oriented programs, especially in nursing where graduates consistently achieve strong financial returns. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Waynesburg demonstrates the ability to support students who enroll toward successful degree completion and solid career outcomes.
What distinguishes Waynesburg is its combination of small college intimacy with practical career preparation. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship and personalized attention while gaining access to programs that lead directly into stable, well-paying professions, particularly in healthcare and business management.
Waynesburg University's program portfolio centers on career-focused fields that lead directly to employment, with nursing serving as the institution's flagship offering. Adult Health Nursing graduates 78 students annually and delivers the strongest financial returns, with median earnings of $60,358 ten years out. This program represents both the largest enrollment and highest aggregate return, making it the economic engine of the university.
Business Administration, with 28 graduates earning around $37,208, provides a solid foundation for management and entrepreneurship careers. The university also offers specialized programs like Corrections Administration, which graduates 36 students annually into public service roles with median earnings of $29,141. While these earnings are more modest, they reflect stable government employment with benefits and pension systems that provide long-term security.
The concentration in healthcare and professional programs reflects Waynesburg's mission as a career-oriented institution. Rather than offering broad liberal arts education, the university focuses on fields with clear employment pathways and industry connections. This approach serves students well in Pennsylvania's job market, where healthcare demand remains strong and business skills translate across multiple industries. The small program scale allows for personalized attention and strong faculty-student relationships that support career development and professional networking.
Graduates of Waynesburg University achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,537 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the 68th percentile nationally, indicating above-average earnings compared to similar institutions. The university's focus on career-oriented programs, particularly in healthcare and business, helps explain these strong financial returns for graduates.
Nursing stands out as Waynesburg's strongest program for financial outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest cohort with 78 students, earn a median of $60,358 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate return among all programs. Business Administration graduates earn around $37,208, while the university also offers programs in corrections administration that lead to public service careers. The concentration in healthcare programs, combined with Pennsylvania's strong healthcare job market, provides graduates with stable career pathways and competitive earnings potential.
The university's small size allows for personalized career guidance and strong alumni networks within specific industries. With 243 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, Waynesburg demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers, particularly in nursing, healthcare administration, and business management fields where employer demand remains consistently strong.
Affordability at Waynesburg University varies significantly by family income level, reflecting typical private college pricing patterns. Low-income students pay about $19,790 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $25,354 per year, and high-income families pay approximately $28,697. These net prices place Waynesburg in the 25th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs run higher than at many comparable institutions.
Debt levels require careful consideration for prospective families. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $20,738. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully. However, the combination of student and parent borrowing means total family debt can approach $50,000 for a four-year degree.
The key to Waynesburg's affordability equation lies in the career outcomes that justify the investment. With median earnings of $58,537 ten years out and strong performance in high-demand fields like nursing, graduates typically have the earning power to manage their debt loads. The university's 80% loan repayment rate demonstrates that most borrowers successfully navigate their financial obligations after graduation.
Waynesburg University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
